Overview

What could Roman Catholicism and Mormonism possibly have to learn from each other? On the surface, they seem to diverge on nearly every point, from their liturgical forms to their understanding of history. With its ancient roots, Catholicism is a continuous tradition, committed to the conservation of the creeds, while Mormonism teaches that the landscape of Christian history is riddled with errors and apostasy and in need of radical revision and spiritual healing. Additionally, successful proselyting efforts by Mormons in formerly Catholic strongholds have increased opportunities for misunderstanding, polemic, and prejudice between the two faiths. However, as demonstrated in this unique and spirited dialogue between two theologians, one a convert to Catholicism and the other a convert to Mormonism, these two traditions are much closer to each other than many assume, including in their treatment of central doctrines such as authority, grace, Jesus, Mary, and revelation.Both Catholicism and Mormonism have ambitiously universal views of the Christian faith, and readers will be surprised by how close Catholics and Mormons are on a number of topics and how these traditions, probed to their depths, shed light on each other in fascinating and unexpected ways. Catholic and Mormon is an invitation to the reader to engage in a discussion that makes understanding the goal, and marks a beginning for a dialogue that will become increasingly important in the years to come.

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9780190265922

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Reviews

Only Webb and Gaskill could have written a book like this one. Combine their impressively intelligent and winsome prose, with their appreciation for key elements of each other's perspective (in Webb's case, his critique of the fundamental patristic doctrine of divine simplicity), and one has a deeply stimulating book. This extraordinary dialogue arrives at precisely the right moment, and should inspire a new epoch in Catholic-Mormon theological interchange. --Matthew Levering, Perry Family Foundation Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary Two scholars, each deeply committed to his tradition, but holding a common faith in Jesus Christ, set out to explore the similarities and differences between their respective traditions. The hard question of authority and the surprising commonality of sacramental life are highlighted, as are other issues like grace, Mary, revelation, matter, and heaven. This is an important example for all who want to engage respectfully with their religiously diverse neighbors. --Dr. Roger R. Keller, author of Light and Truth: A Latter-day Saint Guide to World Religions What makes this book work is the deep knowledge that each of the authors has of the other's tradition. This allows room in the exchanges between Webb (a Catholic) and Gaskill (a Mormon) for both empathy and blunt assessment. The result is one of those rare books where there is genuine conversation going on. --Todd Whitmore, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Concurrent Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame This fascinating book articulates Catholic-Mormon theological dialogue in both rigorous and intriguing terms. Stephen Webb and Alonzo Gaskill discuss not only the many obvious differences between these two major Christian traditions but also several surprising similarities. An important addition to intra-Christian dialogue. --David Tracy, Greeley Professor Emeritus of Catholic Studies, University of Chicago Divinity School

Author Information

Stephen H. Webb taught philosophy and religion for 25 years at Wabash College and is now an independent scholar and a regular contributor to First Things magazine. Alonzo L. Gaskill is Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University.

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